The NYPD is welcoming a new member to its ranks: a robot dog. The robotic mobile K-9 device is part of a number of technological rollouts the city said is "crucial" in keeping the city safe.

Mayor Eric Adams joined NYPD Commissioner Keechant Sewell and other police leadership Tuesday morning for a demonstration of three new pieces of technology that the department is planning to utilize as part of an overall plan to use new, innovative technologies to increase officers and resident safety.

The three new technologies are:

• StarChase: Provides a means to track vehicles by using a projectile that attaches a GPS enabled device which can then be tracked remotely. This is a pilot program that, among other things, will be used to locate ghost cars, cars with stolen plates used to commit other crimes to mitigate vehicle pursuits and keep the public and officers safe. "This is a game changer," the NYPD said.

• Digidog (“Spot”): Remote-controlled, highly mobile K-9 robot for use in assessing hazardous situations. "Instead of sending police officers in there, you send Digidog," Adams said, adding that the device will be used to "deescalate" situations. It will be used to assess high-risk situations and will "undoubtedly save lives, both of the police and the public," the NYPD said. This device is not a pilot but rather already going to be part of the technological tools the NYPD has at its disposal. It will be used in hostage negotiations, counterterrorism incidents and other situations as needed.

Office of NYC Mayor

• K5 Autonomous Security Robot (ASR): Conducts automated patrol in confined areas both indoors and outdoors, such as transit stations. It uses artificial intelligence to provide incident notification in real-time to first responders. This technology is already in used by other police departments, shopping malls and college campuses, among other areas that need additional patrol. This is a pilot program that the department hopes to start in the summer for next six months either in Times Square or a subway station.

Office of NYC Mayor

"To safeguard our modern city in a forward-looking world, it is essential that out officers are equipped with the tools, training and technology necessary to do that job safely and effectively," Sewell said in a Tuesday morning press conference in Times Square. "Throughout its history our

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